Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Childproofing products slow toddlers down and keep them away from the most dangerous hazards while adults supervise. They work only if they suit the hazard, are installed exactly as the manufacturer instructs and are used consistently. This guide explains the main product types, what official safety guidance says about each, and what to check when choosing and installing them. It draws on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Safe Kids Worldwide and Poison Control. We do not rank brands; how we research products is explained on How We Review.

Remember: no product makes a home completely safe, and childproofing never replaces supervision. Check products for recalls before installing them, follow the manufacturer’s age and installation guidance, and inspect them regularly. For a possible poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; in an emergency, call 911.

Cabinet and drawer latches and locks

The AAP recommends installing a safety latch that locks when you close the door on cabinets children can reach, and storing poisons in locked cabinets or containers out of sight and reach. CPSC advises choosing latches that adults can install and use easily but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children, and keeping medicines and cleaners locked away even in child-resistant packaging.

Type How it works Notes
Spring latch (inside the door) Catches when the door opens a little; adult presses to release Invisible; needs screws; door opens slightly
Magnetic lock Released with a magnetic key held outside Strong; keep the key out of reach
Adhesive strap latch Strap across door or drawer No drilling; check adhesion regularly
Sliding lock (for knobs) Bar through two handles Quick to fit; suits paired knobs
Lockable box Key or combination Best for medicines

Child-resistant caps slow children down but are not child-proof, which is why CPSC advises locked storage even for child-resistant packaging. See cabinet locks and drawer locks.

Safety gates

Safe Kids recommends approved safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, attached to the wall where possible, and warns that not all gates are safe for the top of stairs. CPSC’s guidance:

  • At the top of stairs, use only gates that screw into the wall.
  • Never use pet gates as child safety gates.
  • Replace older gates with “V”-shaped openings that could trap a child’s head or neck.
Gate type Suitable for
Hardware-mounted (screwed to the wall) Top of stairs; anywhere
Pressure-mounted Doorways and bottom of stairs where the manufacturer allows; not top of stairs
Retractable mesh Check the manufacturer’s guidance for each location

Check the label for the intended location and the child’s age and size limits, and choose gates with a walk-through door without a trip bar at the top of stairs where possible. See safety gates.

Furniture and TV anchors

CPSC’s Anchor It campaign states that anchoring all furniture with drawers, doors and shelves to the wall prevents tip-over injuries and deaths. A federal rule to prevent furniture tip-overs took effect on 1 September 2023, but anchoring is still advised, especially for older furniture. CPSC also advises installing free-standing ranges with anti-tip brackets.

  • Use the anchor kit supplied with furniture, or one rated for the weight.
  • Fix into wall studs or with anchors suited to your wall type.
  • Tug-test the straps after installation (Anchor It).
  • Mount flat-screen TVs to the wall or anchor TV stands, and keep tempting items such as toys and remotes off the top of furniture.

See furniture anchors.

Outlet protection

CPSC advises outlet covers that are large enough that children cannot choke on them and hard for children to remove, and recommends tamper-resistant receptacles when replacing outlets. Tamper-resistant receptacles have built-in shutters, so there is nothing to remove or forget to replace. Small plug-in caps can become a choking hazard if a child removes them. See outlet covers.

Door and finger guards

CPSC advises that door knob covers be sturdy but allow an adult to open the door quickly in an emergency. Door stoppers and finger pinch guards reduce the risk of fingers caught in hinges or slammed doors. Use knob covers or lever locks on doors to rooms with hazards (bathrooms, garages, home offices). See door and finger guards.

Window products

  • Window stops so windows open no more than 4 inches (CPSC, Safe Kids).
  • Window guards with an emergency release for windows that are fire escape routes (CPSC, Safe Kids).
  • Cordless window coverings in homes with young children, to reduce strangulation risk (CPSC).
  • Screens are not a safety device: Safe Kids notes screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in.

Window products are covered in detail in our injury prevention guide.

Other useful products

  • Anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads, alongside setting the water heater to 120°F or lower (CPSC, AAP).
  • Corner and edge bumpers that stay securely attached (CPSC).
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the locations CPSC recommends.
  • Pool barriers: the AAP recommends a fence on all four sides, at least 4 feet high, with a self-closing, self-latching gate; CPSC adds door alarms and pool covers as layers of protection.

Choosing and installing well

  1. Start with the hazards in your home, not a shopping list.
  2. Check for recalls before buying or using second-hand products; CPSC’s recall search and recall emails make this easy.
  3. Read the age range and installation instructions; install exactly as directed.
  4. Test each product with a firm pull.
  5. Re-check monthly: adhesives fail, screws loosen and toddlers learn.

Installation and maintenance are covered in choosing, installing and maintaining safety products.

Frequently asked questions

Are adhesive latches as good as screw-in latches?

They can work well, especially for renters, but adhesive weakens over time and with heat or moisture. Check them regularly and replace them if they loosen.

At what age can I remove childproofing?

It depends on the product and the child. Keep medicines and chemicals locked away throughout childhood; other products such as gates can be reviewed as your child grows, following manufacturer age limits.

All product guides are under Childproofing Products.

Sources

Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.